Workers encouraged to stand up

David Massiah, general secretary of the Antigua Barbuda Workers Union ABWU (file photo)

Workers in Antigua and Barbuda are being warned against allowing fear of victimisation to prevent them from standing up for their rights.

David Massiah, general secretary of the Antigua Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU), made the appeal on Sunday in light of Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s intervention at a recent meeting called by the Antigua and Barbuda Public Service Association (ABPSA).

The union called the meeting with its membership to discuss the way forward, to resolve outstanding back pay. The prime minister showed up uninvited and attempted to dissuade workers from taking action on the eve of the March 21 general election.

During his address, a section of the crowd cheered in agreement with the prime minister who also accused the union of having a political agenda.

“You want the union to stand up for you, you are cursing the union. But when the time comes, you are turning your backs against the union because a political operative has come and told you this is basically a set-up…. there is no set-up,” Massiah charged.